Joe's Kidney Transplant Fund

Hello all,

I know this is a long post but I truly appreciate anyone taking the time to read this.  As some of you may know, but many do not, my dad (Joe Svarz), is in the end stages of renal kidney failure. My dad is a proud army veteran and now works as a nurse managing a program for veteran patients. He spends his days caring about and helping so many people that my siblings and I would like do what we can to support him in his time of need. My dad has spent so much of his adult life taking care of his family and his patients, many of which have become his friends. I also watched as he took care of his mother (our grandma) when she became paralyzed, until she passed a few years ago. One of the most impressive aspects of my dad is that he chose to be my dad. He came into mine and my sisters lives when we were very young; actually I don’t remember a life without him as dad. He wanted to be more than just my step dad. He jumped right in without hesitation and loved us as if we were his biological children. After knowing and seeing all that he’s done for so many, I along with my brother and sister want to give back and help him as much as possible but we cant do it alone.

This past May he was admitted to the hospital and found out that he needed an immediate kidney transplant. Sadly, if he cannot get a transplant soon, he will have to go on dialysis seeing as his kidneys are functioning at a combined 7%; a number which will just continue to decline. Knowing this, my immediate family went into action. We joined him at Northwestern Memorial Hospital to meet with the transplant team. We were all tested as possible donors. I am thrilled to say that I have just completed the last round of testing and have officially been confirmed as a match. Hooray! My dad and I are hoping to have the surgery completed by the end of this month. Ultimately, we are praying for a swift and successful kidney transplant.

So this is where I need your help! His insurance will cover most of the costs associated with the actual transplant. However, there are many other expenses that are not fully covered. Listed are some of the impending costs, it is not a full blown list but it’ll give an idea ….

-insurance deductibles and co-pays

-pre-transplant evaluation and testing

-follow-up care and testing

-hospital stay (much longer if there are any complications/infections)

-loss  of wages for recipient/donor

-fees for surgeons, physicians, radiologist, anesthesiologist and the never ending lab testing

-anti-rejection & other necessary medications

-lost wages for his/our caregiver (my mom) pre/post surgery

My dad has reached a point where he is no longer able to work due to his illness. Upon transplant my mom will also need to take time off of work for the time leading up to the transplant, during, and throughout our recovery. The doctors have suggested that he plan for a minimum of 12 weeks (assuming there are no complications or set backs) of missed work post transplant and for me, at least one month.

Thusly, I am reaching out to you all for the much needed help to alleviate some of the financial  strain that my family is enduring. No donation amount is too small. If you cannot donate we ask that you kindly share this link through your social media. Our family will forever be grateful for your support. 

Thank you so so much!!!!!!

          Katelynn